Eric Karabell: Trevor Lawrence Joe Kaiser: Jerry Jeudy Bold prediction for 2022: The Patriots will miss the playoffs. Bold prediction for 2022: Myles Garrett will win Defensive Player of the Year. Burrow didn't add much with his legs (118 yards, 2 TDs), and that will need to change just to offset inevitable YPA regression to the mean. -- Henderson, Adams isn't in danger of being released anytime soon, but the two first-round picks the Seahawks traded for him in 2020 and the $70 million extension they signed him to a year later didn't look like good investments last season. Adams is the best receiver in the NFL, and he's also the best player who will be debuting with a new team. -- Cronin, The Bears' top draft pick is in line to start at nickel corner in Week 1. He is running more decisively and harder than last year post-ACL injury. Sometimes its a rookie in a good landing spot. Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros), Miles Sanders (RB PHI) That could mean massive volume on a team that is expected to trail often. Davis brings a ton of upside in that role. Gordon provides clarity at a position that has been rife with uncertainty. -- Bowen, The Browns are banking that the third-year defensive tackle is ready to emerge. Listed below are some high-end breakout candidates that I target in drafts: Kyle Pitts, Jalen Hurts, Travis Etienne, Breece Hall, Michael Pittman, Marquise Brown. While Adams will take some defensive attention away from Waller, he's also going to take away targets. Why the Packers' transition to Jordan Love, whenever it happens, will require patience, Disputed loan at center of Commanders probe, A new home for Michael Thomas? The defensive backs always looked like the best group on the roster, but a strong preseason from Darren Hall, slated to be the top backup at outside corner, and the emergence of Dee Alford, who can play inside or outside likely as a reserve, offers Atlanta more depth behind starters A.J. Keith Lipscomb: Darnell Mooney -- Teicher, Hardman spent his first three seasons with the Chiefs in Tyreek Hill's considerable shadow, which can at least partly explain his inconsistent production since being drafted in the second round in 2019. Isaiah McKenzie will be the starting slot receiver for the Buffalo Bills. There is no more guaranteed money in his deal beyond this season, which would make it easier for the Cowboys to move on from him in 2023. But I will lean to the over because they still have Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, despite losing Hill. Jalen Mills has emerged as the team's No. Plus, the upside if he stays healthy is that he can finish as a top-15 RB. If Jones' injury lingers throughout the season, the Dolphins' pass defense could become a major issue. -- Newton, Rhule has gone 5-11 and 5-12 his first two seasons. Yes, he's 37 years old, but his 14 years in the league show he's durable (he has missed just one game in his 12 years as a starter) and an experienced decision-maker who can get the ball to his receivers quickly (another trait already on display at minicamp). Describe the QB situation in three words: HOF to meh. New league weeks start every Thursday with TNF kickoff. Hill alone just opens up so much near the line of scrimmage as you always must worry about him getting behind the defense, meaning teams will pull the safeties back and have them line up deeper. -- Mike DiRocco, Kirk is now the Jaguars' No. The offense will click more, and they should have enough to make a legitimate title run. His arrival in L.A. both strengthens the Rams' passing game and gives him a fresh start coming off a disappointing 2021, but it also lands him in a supporting role. A healthy Ward can solidify the position that was the 49ers' biggest defensive weakness a year ago, and he could be the player who pushes their defense back to 2019 levels of dominance. If the 2018 No. Houston could use its two 2023 first-round picks to build around him instead of replacing him. The shoulder strain that kept him off the practice field last summer is 100 percent. Yeah, you know all about quarterback Derek Carr's many options on offense, starting with new wide receiver Davante Adams, continuing with slot receiver Hunter Renfrow and moving through tight end Waller and running back Josh Jacobs. He needs to carry those improvements over to regular-season action, of course, but signs are pointing to an improved Hurts in 2022. A perfect example from this past of a third-year break-out player is Jalen Hurts. The idea of this exercise is to evaluate not only players but our user drafting patterns, and my decision to fade the talented sophomore is based on the latter. -- Pryor, Fantasy breakout candidate: Pat Freiermuth, TE, Freiermuth tied for first among tight ends in 2021 with 20 red zone targets. With limitations at the quarterback position and two downhill backs, Seattle is going to pound the ball between the tackles. -- Demovsky, With all the focus on rookies Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, the veteran Watkins will actually start the season ahead of them on the receiver depth chart. Stephania Bell: Trey Lance, QB, San Francisco 49ers Joe Kaiser: Ken Walker III, Seattle Seahawks Kyle Soppe: Robert Tonyan, Green Bay Packers Michael Carter is a very talented back who could have standalone value even if Hall remains healthy. If that seems hyperbolic, it's not. -- Erin Dolan. Prepare for early-season struggles against some stout defensive fronts. The former Alabama star put together some impressive rookie tape last season, and I expect him to play at an extremely high level in his second pro season. If Penny stays healthy all year, he is a lock to outlive his draft cost. Declaring Barkley as a best shot breakout seems to stretch the notion, but the Giants are already fueling new ideas for him in the OTAs. Derek Brown (FantasyPros). Another big season for Simmons should lead to a multiyear deal worth more than $100 million total. His timeline to return in unknown. -- McManus, Fantasy breakout candidate: Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Last season, Gainwell averaged 19 fantasy points per game in his best four games. Davis fits the bill. With Miles Sanders' struggles catching passes, Gainwell could see even more targets as a receiver out of the backfield in 2022. The offseason acquisition of Brown boosts the pass game for Hurts, and Philly's defensive upgrades give this unit a much more physical and versatile profile. Projecting the futures of Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook and other Vikings veterans. Its Trevor Lawrence. -- Eric Woodyard. The Seahawks believe their revamped defensive scheme can get Adams back to being a pass-rushing force, but he's got to stay healthy to do that. Joe Kaiser: Darnell Mooney, WR, Chicago Bears Him not starting over Sanders was the biggest head scratcher to me, but the Bills elected to ease the second-year receiver along until later in the season. Wilson's arrival changed everything, and if he plays near a Pro Bowl level, a lot of folks are going to say the five picks and three players the Broncos gave up to trade for Wilson aren't going to seem like that big a price tag. Robinson is shifty and can operate out of the slot. NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand, and MORE! That might be all it takes to supplant one of several ordinary veteran wide receivers. He was also the first receiver off the board in the actual draft. His next contract depends on it. The Colts, ever reluctant to invest significantly at cornerback, broke with their recent tendencies and got aggressive by signing Gilmore in March. The jury is still out in regard to Tua Tagovailoa -- especially playing behind a suspect offensive line. Check out our ranking of the top 10 breakout candidates in fantasy heading into the season. Will Tony Pollard take over for Ezekiel Elliott in Dallas? But don't let the new kids make you forget about the flashes we saw from Moore as a second-round pick in 2021. That designation is a sign Kmet is due for a fantasy breakout. Davante Adams, Raiders WR. Eric Moody: Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles More for comfort, more than anything," Chargers coach Brandon Staley said. But the remade defense, under new coordinator Patrick Graham, has to show up and keep games manageable. -- Eric Moody, I do not believe in Lance, but I do believe in Shanahan. I assume most drafters are scared off by the Dolphins' overcrowded backfield, but Edmonds has impressed this summer and seems to have emerged as the guy they'll count on most -- in his usual pass-catching role and maybe more. The Patriots are going through a major transition in offensive philosophy after the departure of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Sanders is a good real-life RB, but he is overvalued for fantasy. Field Yates: Drake London. Sure, Lawrence had a rough rookie season, but Urban Meyer was running a three-ring circus in Jacksonville last year, so Im happy to give Lawrence a mulligan. My bet is that he'll show up. That's a big difference from 2019, when Tannehill led the Titans to an NFL-best 75% red zone touchdown scoring rate and the AFC Championship Game. 32 NFL players who could change teams this offseason, 2023 NFL franchise tag tracker: Commanders' Payne first to be tagged, Meet the man scouring Nigeria for the next generation of NBA and NFL talent, 2023 NFL combine preview: 15 future fantasy football stars to watch. There will be few games this season in which the Bears won't be underdogs. Jackson's estimated return is two to four weeks, which means he could miss back-to-back division games against the Raiders and Chiefs to open the season. A dual-threat player with home run ability, Pollard will emerge in the Dallas offense. Matt Bowen: Aaron Rodgers Head to SportsLine now . With Jimmy Graham gone, the third-year tight end can expect to inherit those red zone opportunities and cement himself as a foundational player in the Bears' offense. The giant upgrade at QB to Wilson is significant, and the defense is strong enough, but will coach Nathaniel Hackett have smooth sailing in his first season? It seems likely that Lock will find the field at some point this season. Kenny Pickett proved he's not only a capable backup -- he might have played himself into a starting job earlier than the Steelers anticipated. 10. Physically and mentally, he appears ready for whatever comes his way in 2022. I wouldn't be surprised if the Jets begin the season 0-9. Cappa was the marquee addition who earned nearly as much in guaranteed money ($11 million) as the other two new starters on the offensive line -- center Ted Karras and right tackle La'el Collins ($6 million each) -- combined. If they can do that and avoid a second-half swoon, this season could end with a playoff appearance. -- Michael Rothstein, Describe the QB situation in three words: Long-term planning, While the Falcons of course want to win in 2022, the quarterback spot between Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder comes down to whether either one of them shows to be the capable long-term starter beyond this season. Eric Karabell: Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings Another rocky season will spark speculation about finding a replacement in the QB-rich 2023 draft. Stephania Bell: James Conner, Arizona Cardinals Don't be surprised if Pitts is pushing for the top five -- and maybe higher -- among tight ends this season. -- Eric Moody, Coach Mike Tomlin has not had a losing season in 15 years with the Steelers. The season will be a success if Justin Fields shows tangible signs of improvement. The Saints moved up from the 16th to the 11th spot in the 2022 NFL draft to select Olave. He'll be a star in New Orleans. -- Gutierrez, Fantasy breakout candidate: Derek Carr, QB, Despite his previous reputation as a checkdown king, Carr recorded 142 deep-ball attempts over the past two seasons. Eric Moody: Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders Throughout camp, he looked primed for another step to enter the upper echelon of pass-rushers. I am not talking about drafting the WR36 and they finish as the WR31. Ultimately, if Hunt wants a big contract next offseason, either from the Browns or another team, he'll need to produce this season while staying relatively healthy. The defense, though, has a glaring weakness in stopping the run, one that will hopefully be improved via the additions of Larry Ogunjobi and Myles Jack. His projected timeline makes it a race to Week 1 against the Titans, but the Giants need to think big picture with the No. Bold prediction for 2022: Kyle Shanahan will win NFL Coach of the Year. Bateman has an excellent chance to finish as a top-20 fantasy receiver and could potentially finish in WR1 range. Kyle Pitts, Jalen Hurts, Travis Etienne, Breece Hall, Michael Pittman, Marquise Brown. The Chiefs will have to make a decision on his fifth-year option at the end of this season, and the addition of rookie Isiah Pacheco to the running back group could lead the Chiefs to decline that option if Edwards-Helaire doesn't produce. It sounds odd to expect better things from the former Bear, but if were talking about a best shot to break out, you couldnt ask for a better culture of excellence to surround you than the Pittsburgh Steelers. -- Eric Moody. If we assume his ACL issues are truly behind him, then that long-awaited true breakout is possible. He was placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list to start the NFL season, and he will miss at least the first four games. Steven Pintado (The Fantasy Coaches), Mitch Trubisky (QB PIT) -- Bowen. Field Yates: AJ Dillon. Be prepared to jump a round or three to go get him. 1 receiver, and I'm excited about the opportunity to work with him." Describe the QB situation in three words: Better than before. Field Yates: Logan Thomas. London is the best bet to be this year's breakout rookie receiver. -- Keim. Brown and Antonio Brown. Only the 17th-highest-paid tight end in the NFL, Waller is a game-breaker when healthy but missed six games last season because of back and knee issues, and coach Josh McDaniels would not commit to Waller playing in the season opener. . In an offense that caters to the quarterback's dual-threat ability, Shanahan takes the Niners deep into January. 3. Describe the QB situation in three words: Now or never. -- Matt Bowen, The Bears hired a first-time head coach (Matt Eberflus) and didn't help Fields by adding playmakers or upgrading the offensive line. From our Start/Sit Assistant which provides your optimal lineup based on accurate consensus projections to our Trade Analyzer which allows you to instantly find out if a trade offer benefits you or your opponent weve got you covered this fantasy football season. Daniel Dopp: Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos The second-round pick out of Penn State brings a playmaking element to Chicago. Describe the QB situation in three words: They're all in. Edmonds should not only get his share of work on the ground, but he should also be heavily involved in the passing game. -- Liz Loza, There's good reason for all the optimism, but ultimately the offensive line is a giant weakness and the division is too tough. Breakouts. Hutchinson's playing style, paired with defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn's scheme, puts the rookie in a position to create pocket disruption and the ability to win one-on-ones. Tristan H. Cockcroft: Irv Smith Jr. Travis Etienne has a clear path to be this years DAndre Swift. -- Bowen, Courtland Sutton has a 1,000-yard season and Pro Bowl trip on his rsum and looks like the Broncos' WR1. That might be asking a lot in a loaded AFC, especially with promising QB Mac Jones adjusting without former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels while learning a new offense. He has top-five upside and there is a small chance he could be the best QB in fantasy. Mike Clay: Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars The season will be a success if the Patriots register at least one playoff win. That obstacle is removed, which means it's time for Hardman to prove he's more than just a fast, gadget-type of player. 2022 NFL draft by position. Daniel Dopp: Dawson Knox At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Collins thrives in contested situations, dominating on the outside and in the red zone. Bold prediction for 2022: Pollard will replace Elliott as the Cowboys' lead back. The travel and strength of schedule is much more difficult this season, with road games at the 49ers, vs. the Chargers and vs. the Bills. Eric Moody: Aaron Rodgers -- Alaina Getzenberg, The 2019 All-Pro corner is making his way back from a torn ACL in his left knee suffered on Thanksgiving. Young has the physical tools to be an elite edge-rusher. -- Bowen, Hurst is a fluid tight end who should give the Bengals a great receiving option as teams look to stop Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase. Tristan H. Cockcroft: Hunter Henry, New England Patriots With the traits of a WR1 and the body control to track the ball, Pickens has the ability to win isolation matchups outside the numbers and post up defenders in the red zone. Most important discovery at camp: CB Tyson Campbell was the Jaguars' most impressive defensive player. However, Herbert helped produce one of the NFL's top offenses in 2021, and after significant shortcomings on defense, the Bolts invested significant resources on that side of the ball. Tannehill has already shown a tendency to go to Philips in third-down situations because of his sure-handed pass catching and ability to find open windows. Chubb hasn't really had everything go his way since his rookie year -- when he finished with 12 sacks -- due to a number of injuries. And he failed to log a single touchdown. For the defending champs, there's really no other answer, especially for a team that brought back -- and also gave contract extensions to -- several core players. General manager Howie Roseman went all-in this offseason, adding impact players on both sides of the ball. Kyle Soppe: Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves (35 ADP) The Atlanta Braves rotation produced the seventh-best WAR in the league in 2022, and a lot of that is thanks to Rookie of the Year runner-up Spencer . The starting five had only 21 game reps together in the preseason, and it didn't look good. Deeper breakout options include Daniel Jones, Jameis Winston and, if healthy, Zach Wilson. Olave could lead the team in targets. Aaron Rodgers, the reigning back-to-back MVP, has proven throughout his career that he can fuel WRs to top-tier fantasy . -- Bowen, Can a breakout player be a guy who was a Pro Bowler last season? -- Anita Marks. -- Rich Cimini. -- Bowen, Greenard flashed the ability to get to the quarterback in 2021, as he netted eight sacks in 12 games. Bold prediction for 2022: The Giants will struggle again, which means they will draft Alabama QB Bryce Young in 2023. Joe Kaiser: Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals The Bears will be leaning on his contributions to turn around a secondary that struggled mightily last season. Making the Super Bowl would certainly be a significant step forward, but the only way this season will be a true success is with the franchise's first Lombardi Trophy. -- Bowen, The rookie is dealing with a sprained right MCL. It's the coverage traits and the physical profile of Surtain that vaults him into the discussion of the league's top cornerbacks. The NFC East is very winnable -- even more so following the injury to Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith -- and the conference overall looks kind of weak, if we're being honest. Joe Kaiser: Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars -- Trotter, Describe the QB situation in three words: Potentially a mess, Deshaun Watson is suspended for 11 games. George Pickens has received a lot of offseason hype and for good reason. They have to keep Wilson out of harm's way, and he has to be willing to get the ball out more quickly than he has at times previously in his career. The chemistry he has built with Justin Fields has consistently been on display throughout the offseason and only projects to increase as he becomes one of the quarterback's top options in 2022. Bold prediction for 2022: Defensive end Chase Young will register 12.5 sacks. Chicago hasn't put Fields in position to succeed yet, but if he can prove he is the right player to build around, the Bears will take a step toward solving their chronic quarterback issues. Marcas Grant and Michael F. Florio are back for a post-Super Bowl edition of the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast! The 49ers held onto quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, but Shanahan will win Coach of the Year because of the development of his replacement, Trey Lance. Marcas Grant and Michael F. Florio are back for another special edition of the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast! -- Seifert, Fantasy breakout candidate: Adam Thielen, WR, I'm really stretching the "breakout" definition, but I think Thielen is being overlooked because of his age and recent injury history. Eric Moody: Amari Cooper Bold prediction for 2022: No. But if you are looking for a guy primed for a big jump, that's Jeudy. Havenstein is a leader for this Rams offense, but he said before training camp that he's letting his agent worry about a new contract so he can focus on football. -- Baby, Fantasy breakout candidate: Trent Taylor, WR, Taylor is hardly young at 28, and the Bengals have three other wideouts clearly ahead on the depth chart, but if one of them gets hurt, perhaps Taylor emerges. -- Thiry, Fantasy breakout candidate: Gerald Everett, TE, He didn't boom in his 2021 reunion with Seahawks OC Shane Waldron as much as many had hoped, though he did pull off a career effort (48 receptions, 478 yards, four touchdowns). Daniel Dopp: Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros), Gabriel Davis screams breakout season for the 2022 year. -- Adam Teicher, Player on hot seat: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Edwards-Helaire hasn't been a bust, and he is in no danger of losing his job right now, but he hasn't had the expected impact of a first-round draft pick. -- Bowen, 32 teams, 32 bold predictions and breakout candidates: Our NFL team-by-team preview. Bold prediction for 2022: Defensive end Carl Lawson will rack up 12 sacks. Could history repeat itself? Keith Lipscomb: Darren Waller Marcas Grant and Michael F. Florio are BACK in the New Year for a special edition of the NFL Fantasy Football Podcast! Kyle Soppe: AJ Dillon -- Bien-Aime, Fantasy breakout candidate: Nico Collins, WR, Collins emerged as the Texans' No. That's not me putting unfair expectations on them. Ryan will be the fifth starting quarterback in as many years for the Colts, and reaction to his change of locale has been mostly tepid. Terrell and Casey Hayward. The rookie out of Georgia will rack up the touchdown catches this season. The Dolphins invested heavily in the supporting cast of their most important player. -- Liz Loza, Jacksonville had the worst record in the league last season with three wins. And his numbers from the divisional playoff loss to Kansas City -- eight receptions, 201 yards receiving, four touchdowns -- point to his upside in the Bills' passing game. Fantasy football sleepers, busts and breakouts for 2022, 2023 NFL combine preview: 15 future fantasy football stars to watch, Out of dark, Rodgers vows decision coming soon, Bucs to cut Fournette; RB says it was his request, Giants plan to release WR Golladay, source says, Commanders release QB Wentz after one season, Cards' Gannon: Murray 'on schedule' with rehab, Sources: Ex-Raiders QB Carr has visit with Jets, RB Jones reworking deal to stay with Packers. Recording 16 career touchdowns of 40-plus yards at Clemson, there's no denying Etienne's skills in space. However, it's the fundamentally sound defense -- with three levels of playmakers, including new offseason addition Von Miller -- that will close out games for Buffalo on the postseason stage. -- Eric Moody, This is not a strong team. -- Bowen, A first-round pick from a year ago, Oweh was the Ravens' best defensive player in training camp, using his quickness to repeatedly get into the backfield. He hasn't disappeared in Jefferson's shadow. -- Eric Karabell, The Cowboys' offensive line takes a step back this season with Tyron Smith's injury and the departure of Connor Williams and La'el Collins. He hasn't done that so far. It gets easier this season, and he will be playing behind an improved offensive line and with a solid backfield. But McKenzie is even more explosive and faster than Cole Beasley, meaning he could pick up more yards after the catch and even be targeted downfield at times. Bold prediction for 2022: Etienne will catch 60 passes in Doug Pederson's offense. The 6-foot, 247-pound back can hammer the ball between the tackles with the footwork to scoot past defenders. Other receivers who can say that include Davante Adams, Cooper Kupp, A.J. Over the last five weeks of the season, Rashaad Penny led all running backs in rushing yards (671), rushing yards over expectation (272), touchdowns (six), rushes of 10-plus yards (16), yards after contact (486) and rushes reaching 15-plus mph (17). He only costs an RB3 price to acquire. 2 wide receiver during the last five weeks of 2021, when the former Michigan Wolverine averaged six targets per contest and had two games with at least 65 yards and a score. -- Mike Triplett, Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook and the Vikings' offense should be great this season, but their defense should not be overlooked.